Before Marlon Campo was a Bridgeport police officer, he was a kid growing up in the area, surrounded by gangs.

"We all have options as kids. You got to choose the right path," he said.

Sgt. Campo, along with Lt. Stacey Lyons, are working to educate the public about the dangers gangs pose not just to kids but also to their families.

Campo told News 12 he could easily have been lured into a gang.

"I grew up in a single-parent household. I know what it's like to know about the trapping of the streets -- but there's another way. I'm living proof. If I can do it, then you can do it," said Campo.

Click here to find out more about their initiative.